Choosing the right vape juice is an important step for any vaper. Not only does it affect your overall vaping experience, but it can also have an impact on your health. With the plethora of options available on the market, it can be overwhelming for new vapers to make a decision.


Not too long ago, vapers had limited choices when it came to purchasing e-liquid for their electronic cigarettes, unless they were interested in modding or DIY. The only options were usually cartridges for cigalikes and a few high-PG e-liquids. However, today, the options are virtually endless. You can choose from high PG and high VG, nicotine salts, and freebase, among others. Additionally, there is an extensive range of flavors to try out. While this variety allows for a personalized experience that caters to your unique preferences, it can be confusing for beginners to decide which e-juice to buy. This article will explore the different types of vape juice available and provide guidance on how to determine which one is suitable for you.

Understanding Key Terms about E-Cigarettes

Before we dive into the different types of vape juice, it’s essential to understand some key terms that are commonly used in the vaping industry. These include:

Nicotine Salts:

Nicotine salts are popular among vapers due to their unique qualities. They are made by combining nicotine and acid to create a compound similar to tobacco leaf salts. Nicotine salts offer a smoother vaping experience and allow for higher concentrations of nicotine.

Whereas, Freebase liquid is e-liquid without nicotine salts and provides a harsher throat hit. It is still popular among vapers who prefer a stronger hit. Freebase liquid can be mixed with nicotine salts to create a hybrid e-liquid with the benefits of both types.

Hybrid E-Liquids:

Hybrid e-liquids offer vapers a combination of nicotine salts and freebase nicotine in one juice, giving them the best of both worlds. It’s perfect for those who want a stronger nicotine hit without sacrificing a smooth throat hit. However, it’s important to note that not all vapers may find hybrid e-liquids suitable, and those who are new to vaping or have a low nicotine tolerance should use caution. Also, because hybrid e-liquids deliver nicotine more quickly, vapers may need to use less of the juice to achieve the same level of satisfaction.

PG:

Propylene Glycol (PG) is a widely used ingredient in e-liquids, known for its ability to carry flavors well. It has a thinner consistency than VG, which makes it easier to vaporize and produces a stronger throat hit. This makes it a preferred choice for vapers who desire a stronger sensation when inhaling vapor. However, some vapers may experience side effects such as throat dryness or irritation due to sensitivity to PG. In such cases, a high VG e-liquid may provide a smoother vaping experience as it is thicker in consistency.

VG:

Vegetable Glycerin (VG) is a common e-liquid ingredient known for its thick consistency and ability to produce dense clouds. It’s a natural substance derived from vegetable oil and is often used with PG to balance e-liquid viscosity, resulting in a smoother throat hit and more satisfying experience. VG is slightly sweeter than PG and is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air, which can cause residue buildup on vaping equipment. However, VG-based e-liquids generally produce more vapor than those with primarily PG.

MTL:

Mouth to lung (MTL) vaping involves drawing the vapor into your mouth before inhaling it into your lungs, which is similar to smoking traditional cigarettes. With this method, the vapor is held in the mouth for a brief moment, allowing it to mix with saliva and moisture for a smoother and more flavorful vaping experience. Many vapers prefer MTL for its similarity to smoking and the enhanced flavor experience it provides.

DTL:

Direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping refers to the act of inhaling vapor directly into the lungs without first holding it in your mouth. This style is preferred by experienced vapers for a more intense experience. It requires more airflow than MTL vaping and is typically done on sub-ohm tanks or rebuildable atomizers that can handle high wattage and low resistance coils.

Choosing Your Nicotine Strength For Vaping

Finding the right nicotine strength is crucial for an enjoyable vaping experience. If you choose a nicotine level that’s too low, vaping may not be satisfying enough and could hinder your efforts to switch from smoking. Choosing a vape juice with excessive nicotine can cause various symptoms of nicotine overload, including increased heart rate, dizziness, headache, or nausea.

Here’s a Perfect Principle of thumb to follow:

For Heavy Smokers:

If you’re a heavy smoker, it’s important to find an e-liquid that satisfies your cravings. You may want to consider e-liquids that contain higher levels of nicotine, ranging up to 2% or more. This is because heavier smokers typically require more nicotine to help them overcome their addiction.

For Light Smokers:

For those who smoke less or prefer lighter cigarettes, it’s recommended to select e-liquids that have lower nicotine content, ranging from 0.6% to 1.2%. It’s best to start with lower nicotine levels and increase as needed. When selecting an e-juice, vapers should keep this in mind.

Things To Consider Before Buying Vape Device

Once you have decided on a nicotine strength to try, there are many other choices to make and factors to consider to find the right vape juice for you. Here are some tips to help you get started:

  • E-Liquid for a Strong Throat Hit: The harshness at the back of the throat that comes with smoking cigarettes might be something that you enjoy. Look for a higher-PG e-juice, which will better recreate the throat hit you may miss when you quit smoking.
  • E-Liquid for a Smoother Throat Hit: If the harsh throat hit is a turn-off for you, choose nicotine salts, which smooth out the throat hit and deliver nicotine faster. Alternatively, look for a higher-VG juice, although these are more popular with vapers who use more advanced equipment and want bigger, more voluminous clouds of vapor.
  • E-Liquid for Cigalikes: To make your vaping experience closer to smoking a regular cigarette, opt for an e-liquid with a higher concentration of PG. Alternatively, you can go for a pod system like the EPuffer XPOD that uses a combination of nicotine salts and regular e-juice to replicate the smoking experience more accurately.

Choosing The Right Vape Flavor:

Experimentation is key when it comes to choosing your preferred vape juice flavor. You can choose between tobacco, menthol, fruity, or dessert flavors. Vaping allows you to try out various flavors and switch between them anytime you want. Your choice of flavor is highly personal and subjective.

Pay attention to e-juice ingredients when trying out different flavours. Choose a reputable brand that uses high-quality ingredients and avoids harmful chemicals or additives. Look for e-liquids made with food-grade flavourings. Avoid e-liquids containing diacetyl, acetyl propionyl, or acetoin. These chemicals can be harmful when heated and inhaled.

Consider if you prefer sweet or savoury flavours when choosing e-liquid. Some vapers enjoy candy, fruit, or dessert flavours. Others prefer more savoury flavours like tobacco or menthol. Experiment with different flavours to find your favourites.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to choosing the right vape juice, there are many factors to consider. It’s important to choose the right nicotine strength, flavour, and throat hit to ensure a satisfying vaping experience. Whether you prefer a stronger or smoother throat hit, a sweet or savoury flavour, or a high-PG or high-VG e-liquid, there’s an option out there for you. With so many choices available, the key is to experiment and find what works best for you.